FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Citing exceptionally unfavorable conditions for hurricane formation, the Colorado State University hurricane forecast team is predicting a below-average Atlantic season this year.

Poor Atlantic and Caribbean conditions include:

•Strong vertical wind shear

•Dry air at mid-level altitudes

•Cooler sea surface temperatures

CSU forecasters are predicting nine named storms for the rest of the season, of which four will become hurricanes but only one to develop into a Category 3 or higher storm.

The Atlantic season is June 1 to Nov. 30.

Hurricane Arthur formed in early July.

Phil Klotzbach, the lead author of the forecast, says the 2014 season resembles other below-normal years, such as 1957, 1986, 1993, 2002 and 2009.